Sonoscan, Inc.

Universal Research Laboratories, Inc.

Daniel W Micek

Lawrence W Kessler

John Billone

Daniel M Erickson

Michael G Oravecz

An automated acoustic micro imaging system includes a part-storage station favoring a dry environment, a part-transport robot, and a wet-environment inspection station. The wet-environment inspection station has an ultrasonic beam generator, a coupling fluid in which parts are inspected, and a part-retention stage. A moisture barrier is located between the wet-environment inspection station and the part-storage station favoring a dry environment. The inspection station includes a kinematic, quick-change part-retaining chuck and robotic means for interchanging chucks. Automatic acoustic micro imaging methods are disclosed.

Automated acoustic micro imaging system and method

A method and apparatus for non-destructive ultrasonic inspection in which a plurality of integrated circuits or other electronic components laid out in a fixed pattern on a liquid-permeable tray are moved along an inspection path through a scanning station. In the scanning station the electronic components are repetitively scanned by an ultrasonic beam from a transmitter/receiver moving rapidly back and forth across the inspection path; an ultrasonic coupling liquid (usually water) continuously flows along the beam path; the coupling liquid also flows along the surfaces of the electronic components opposite the beam path. The tray of electronic components is air dried as it emerges from the scanning station. Both reflected and 'through' ultrasonic signals can be collected to disclose any anomalies present in the electronic components. A screen may be used to assure retention of the electronic components in the desired pattern on a tray.

Method and apparatus for ultrasonic inspection of electronic components

A controlled-immersion inspection mechanism gradually immerses a planar pattern of integrated circuits or other articles into a tank filled with water to a given level; across the tank there are two spaced parallel guide tracks along which two carriages, connected by a platform, move from an entry position above the water to an inspection position. In the inspection position the platform supports the articles, in an orderly array, for scanning inspection by a focussed energy beam, preferably an ultrasonic beam. A platform drive drives the platform between its entry and inspection positions. A mesh or other removable cover that permits water to flow but stabilizes article positions may cover the articles during immersion; the mesh is usually removed before scanning.

Controlled-immersion inspection

A control circuit is provided for centering a display on a cathode ray tube by manual adjustment. A reference signal is received corresponding to a fixed point on the display. A shift circuit provides a shifted synchronizing signal, having a shift that is variable, to place the fixed point at a desired location on the cathode ray tube. The shift may be either an advance or a delay of the signal.

Growing community of inventors

Norridge, IL, United States of America

Daniel W Micek